Fakin' Fronts, Perpetratin', and Disingenuous Behavior: It's All About Hypocrisy.

Gangstarr knows the deal. "Take it Personal" is callin out all you suckas. 

I'm not a big fan of people who don't mean what they say. Now I don't mean when you make a mistake and say one thing that means another. I'm talking about hypocrisy. Preaching one thing and doing another. 

A lot of people wonder why the young generation is so jaded; so cynical. A certain percentage are that way because it's a growing trend and the popular thing to do. Those who are actually jaded, are that way because of all those lying "righteous politicians", the religious leaders who lie, cheat, steal, and do immoral things, businessman who steal our investments and retirement funds, musicians who sell their soul to be mainstream successes, misleading infomercials, home equity loans, star athletes on steroids, and the startling uncertainty of the American dream. 


Hypocrites in high places may be unaware of their powerful influence, but it truly is remarkable how much proverbial stock we purchase in influential people. One false move and you really can break a person's heart and through that disappointment it can possibly shape a person's life. 


So as a result maybe if people kept their integrity, we'd be better off. More people would vote, trust in big corporations, safely believe in their local religious establishment, have access to more quality music, not waste  money on stupid diet plans and Jack LaLanne Power Juicers, believe in our favorite athletes and quite possibly believe in the American Dream. 


Or not. 


The choice is yours. 


The object is to enjoy life. Not leech from the very existence of the human race. 


-TLG/MTFZ

Hip-Hop: A Universal Language of Expression.

A few weeks ago I came across this video on a Hip-Hop artist from Belgium with roots in the Congo. (for the history buffs out there, Belgium controlled Congo from 1885-1960; hence the connection.) The artist, Baloji has created a new sub-genre of hip-hop, dubbing it "Afropean". With influences of his African ancestry and his life in Belgium, it is clearly reflected in the music. He raps in French, while the beats are reminiscent of some African music my dad used to play. 

I will admit, this is not for everyone. But if you appreciate and love music, then this is a treat for your ears. Music like this revitalizes the hip-hop landscape. Also reassures the true fans that innovation still exists. Unfortunately not everyone gets a chance to hear this music. However, it is there for those who are willing to give it a chance. 

Hip-Hop is a universal language. Every culture has a different interpretation on the art of Hip-Hop. For some people, it's all about where you come from than what you have to say. It should be more about people uniting to share stories of their experiences, life, philosophies, etc. That is the world I want to live in. 



If this intrigues you then you should definitely explore the vast world that hip hop has to offer. Even though there is a language barrier doesn't mean you can't vibe with it! 

-TLG 

A Very Humbling 9 Minutes. *MUST WATCH* WARNING: Strong Language

I hope that you guys can spare 9 minutes of your time to watch the following video. An incredibly heartfelt look into the life of a Homeless Emcee. Even through the struggles, poor decisions, and tough breaks, this man still remains realistic, yet positive. 

Living as a homeless man in NY, is a nothing short of a daunting task. From the cold winters to the impolite metropolitans, its hard to get by when it seems like everything and everyone is against you. 

He mentions that about 70% of the people that pass him by ignore him like he doesn't exist. Another 15% are rude and the last few are actually pleasant and would stop and chat. 

Growing up, I learned to stay away from the panhandlers on the street because all they ask is for money and they use it for drugs or alcohol. Not always the case, but it does happen quite a bit. The emcee quickly says "another 15 % ... they be disrespectful, don't know they could get they shit twisted, real fast." This raw statement is a scary reality that most people don't realize. Always be respectful, even if it takes extra effort. ( I know its hard, I need to do it too.) Do you want your shit twisted?? 

"It's a fuckin' miracle I ain't break no one's jaw yet. You don't know how many times I had to walk off... and let tears shed, cuz I really wanted to hurt someone real bad and had to stop myself. Thats where hip hop comes in." Hip hop is the salvation, the escape, the sanctuary for this man. 

The 3-4 freestyles he spits during the 9 minutes are windows into the world in which he lives, unlike a lot of freestyles, these had a rare anecdotal quality. He shifts between characters and voices during the 10-15 sec spitfire sessions. A story is told. 

Even though I don't agree with the way he lived his life, i find it remarkable that he remains positive. For some people its hard to even get up out of bed in the morning. (Mind you, he has no bed.)  If i ever run into him when I'm in Brooklyn, I'd stop and at least give him a moment of my time if I got a moment of his. Because of this, my outlook on life is slightly different, but even the most miniscule impacts on life can have the greatest end results in the future. 


  
When you think you have it bad, just remember there are people out there that may in fact have it worse than you. If this man can still remain positive after all he has been through, why can't you stay hopeful? Think about it. 

-TLG 

Wake Up!... A Morning Concert in Central Park.

I am an avid listener of hip-hop and a college student. Therefore, I love free music. Lying in my bed on a Thursday morning, I caught the tail-end of Good Morning America; a staple in my household. An advertisement for GMA's Summer Concert Series came up and stated that the next day would feature John Legend and The Roots. WHAT???!!? 

At that moment, I was struggling to gain reason. Why didn't I know this earlier? Whatever the case, I was excited because of the free opportunity to see the LEGENDARY Roots Crew but bummed that I wouldn't be able to share the moment with my closest friends from the lovely state of California. 

The whole day I was telling myself I wouldn't go because it would be stupid to wake up early as hell in the morning to go to Central Park by myself. After some simple coaxing by some friends, I was committed to busting a mission at around 5am. 

No.. I did not sleep at all that night. I set an alarm for 5am but turned it off and decided to just do something productive at 4am until it was time to start getting ready. 

Showered. Camera Packed. Water Bottle Packed. Stop at Dunkin Donuts. 
Check. Check. Check. And Check.  (I even called my local Dunkin Donuts at 4:45 in the morning to find out when they opened. Thats dedication!) 

On my way. I missed the first bus. The donuts were fresh so it was worth the 10 extra minutes I waited at the bus stop. 

Take the Bx7 or Bx10 bus to 231st Street. Hop on the 1 train. No express trains that morning at 96nd or 72nd street. I went local all the way to Times Sqaure. Transfer to the Shuttle. Take the uptown 6 train from Grand Central. Get off at 68th street. Walk to 72nd and go west until you hit the park. Enter park.

I got there at 7am just when they started the sound check. To my surprise. The crowd area was SOOOOO much smaller than it seemed on TV. (I have no idea what the hell they're going to do when the Jonas Brothers perform next Friday. -_-) 

I missed my opportunity to get a good spot up front. But i was relatively comfortable. The crowd was pretty diverse to my surprise. Young and Old. Black and White. Everything in between. People were pretty chill. I ended up chatting with some alumni from UCSD. What are the odds that I stand next to a Californian, I thought that was cool. 

 Black Thought performing during the sound check.

 Sam Champion and Robin Roberts seem like genuinely nice people. I wouldn't mind meeting them in person one day. 

 ?uestlove. Need I say more? 

 John Legend feelin the vibes from the new collaborative project with The Roots: "Wake Up!" 

Short and Sweet. The concert was just a taste of the new album dropping on Sept. 21st. It was a great experience, waking up that early for such an event. 

A good day to feel alive as a New Yorker, a music lover, and a broke-ass college student. 

WAKE UP! 

-TLG